Asiedu Nketia: Only Competent Loyalists Will Be Appointed Under NDC Leadership
Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has affirmed that competence—not blind party loyalty—will be the decisive factor in political appointments under a future NDC administration.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia emphasized the importance of prioritizing capability over mere allegiance to the party. His remarks signal a major shift toward performance-based leadership and governance, especially as the party gears up for a possible return to power.
“Party loyalists should not necessarily be incompetent,” he stated. “We have loyal, competent people. So if you prove to be incompetent, another loyalist who is competent can replace you.”
The NDC Chairman’s comments come in response to concerns surrounding the recent confirmation of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), many of whom have long served as party foot soldiers. Critics have raised questions about whether political rewards will overshadow performance and merit in public appointments.
However, Asiedu Nketia maintained that the party has a deep talent pool, making it unnecessary to compromise on quality. “We have more people than positions available. For each position, we have about 20 to 30 people who are qualified. So if some are competent and still loyal, you don’t leave them and go settle on somebody incompetent but loyal.”
President John Mahama has also set a clear tone for accountability. During a recent meeting with MMDCEs, he stressed the use of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate performance and announced a deadline for mandatory asset declarations—both moves that underscore a zero-tolerance approach to inefficiency and corruption.
When asked whether the NDC’s approach, which mirrors corporate performance standards, could align with the traditionally loyalty-based political appointment model, Asiedu Nketia was candid: “Loyalty matters, but competence ranks higher than loyalty.”
He added that this new standard is widely understood within the party structure. “They understand and have accepted this. We cannot allow government business to suffer because of party loyalty.”
This stance reflects the NDC’s strategic focus on effective governance and institutional integrity as it prepares for the 2028 elections.
Tags: Asiedu Nketia, NDC Appointments, Mahama 2028, NDC MMDCEs, Competence vs Loyalty, Ghana Politics, NDC Governance Standards, Political Accountability Ghana
